There is big news this month for masters-level practitioners, counselors and marriage and family therapists alike as it applies to accepting Medicare clients in private practice!
The Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2011, which was recently submitted to Congress, advocates for the inclusion of professional counselors (LMHCs, LPCs, LCPCs) and marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) into the list of approved Medicare providers!
Hence, masters-level mental health providers may soon be able to be credentialed with Medicare and reimbursed at the same rate as LICSWs!
Stay tuned for more, or call us at 1-855-664-5154 for the most recent updates.
I’ve been following this discussion for about 2 years now and all I see is – “soon” – when will someone with some cajones put the pressure on our elected officials to get some action? I am starting to wonder if I made a bad choice taking the counselor route instead of social worker; at least they have a powerful lobby that has been able to get the job done.
Dovid, you are that person! 🙂 Go for it, I believe in you!
This last answer does not show much leadership from Thriveworks. Arrange, organize, hire experienced lobbyists. Invest on what you want to accomplish. Find out if it is possible. Don’t fight a battle like registering guns that will never be passed by Congress. Get the proper intelligence.
Javier,
Thank you for your comment. The major counseling associations like the ACA, AAMFT, and others have been working on this important issue. We want to be part of the solution too! However, We aren’t quite there in being able to hire lobbyists!
What is the latest for LPC ‘s to be accepted by Medicare?
Nothing yet! Hopefully soon…
So we should still be writing our congressmen about this?
Does anyone have any concrete information about whether the new Congress and the re-election of President Obama might have an effect on getting LPCs, LMFTs and LMHCs on the Medicare panel to be able to bill directly?
Any updates as to if LPC’s will be able to bill Medicare any time soon?
Nothing yet! 🙂
Can a LMHC be credentialed in New York?
Yes!
Keep me posted. Hope this gets approved soon. How can I help? Dian B.
I am looking to relocate to Florida from NY as a LMHC. I would like to start private practice and be able to bill but I am not sure how to go about it. Any thoughts?
Sure Jason, We have a lot of articles on this site, and on http://thriveworks.com. You can also call us anytime, and we’d be happy to brainstorm a plan with you!
I was wondering if insurance companies will pay for treatment if an expatriate receives services overseas by a licensed therapist in the states? For example, if I am licensed in Florida and I provide counseling services to an American overseas (where there are no credentials for counselors), can they bill their insurance company in the States for the services?
That’s a darn good question. I would think so, but you will want to get the sessions authorized before they are provided–just to make sure (ALWAYS get authorization before providing services). 🙂
Hi Karen! I think I understand your question. Humana is usually an open panel, so we shouldn’t have any trouble getting you on. If for some reason we cannot then yes, we will of course get you credentialed with someone else! I would probably recommend blue cross before “bills house of insurance” though!! 🙂 LOL!
Will insurance companies pay for online or virtual therapy sessions?
Not generally. Sessions are supposed to be “in-person.” Sometimes exceptions are made, however!